Beverly Hills DUI Education Classes

When a defendant is convicted of a Beverly Hills Driving Under the Influence offense, or a reduced charge like wet reckless, he or she will be required by the court to attend and complete a drug and alcohol education class. In addition to court requirements, the Department of Motor Vehicles requires completion of this class before it reinstates a driver’s suspended driving privileges. The courts and legislature have concluded that these types of classes are crucial elements of any DUI sentence, as they emphasize the dangers and risks associated with impaired driving.

Depending on the specifics of the DUI offense, the defendant may be required to complete one of several state-mandated alcohol education programs. In Beverly Hills, the following classes could be assigned by a judge as part of a DUI sentence:

1. 12 hour class (SB 1176)


2. 3 month class (AB 541)


3. 6 month class (AB 762)


4. 9 month class (AB 1353)


5. 18 month class (SB 38)


6. 30 month class (SB 1365)

The SB 1176 class is usually associated with Beverly Hills DUI defendants who have been convicted of a reduced DUI charge, like wet reckless or exhibition of speed. Although courts or prosecutors may insist on longer classes for these reduced charges (or no education component at all for exhibition of speed charges), the 12 hour course is the shortest state mandated drug and alcohol class in California. The class meets once a week for six weeks, with each class lasting for two hours. The SB 1176 may fulfill court requirements, however the DMV does not accept this class for suspended drivers who are trying to obtain a restricted license.

For defendants in Beverly Hills who are convicted of a first DUI offense and there were no aggravating circumstances, the class imposed is typically the AB 541 (3 month) program. Aggravating factors include a high BAC (.15 or above), a refusal allegation, a collision, or any other unusual circumstances. Signing up for the AB 541 is also a prerequisite to getting a restricted license.

While first-time DUI defendants in Beverly Hills who have high BACs, refusal allegations or traffic accidents may be required to complete the nine-month class, some courts and prosecutors may agree to the intermediate six month class (AB 762). In this class, the defendant would attend weekly sessions in addition to group and individual counseling.

Other DUI defendants with very high blood alcohol contents or other aggravating factors may be required to complete the 9 month (AB 1353) class on a first time offense. This class features 12 hours of class sessions, 44 group counseling hours and four individual counseling hours. In addition, the class participant would attend 36 AA sessions.

On a second conviction, both the courts and DMV require that the defendant attend the SB 38 (18 month program). This class involves a classroom education component in addition to 52 hours of group counseling and substantial individual counseling requirements. In addition, the participant would be expected to undergo monitoring.

On a third or subsequent DUI conviction for which the Beverly Hills DUI defendant is placed on probation, he or she may be required to attend and complete a 30 month class (SB 1365). This highly intensive class features in-class education, both group and individual counseling and extensive monitoring. In addition, any participant in the SB 1365 class must complete a minimum of 300 hours of community service.

Once required to enroll in and complete a drug/alcohol education program, the Beverly Hills DUI defendant will be given a due date by which he or she must complete the program. If the defendant fails to complete the class by this due date or if the defendant is kicked out of the class for missing too many sessions, the sentencing judge may be inclined to revoke probation and assess additional penalties. If the defendant lives outside of California, the court may permit completion of an online equivalent course or an equivalent class offered in the defendant’s home state.

If you have been arrested for a Beverly Hills DUI offense, it is critical to go over all aspects of the DUI Process, including potential penalties, with a qualified Beverly Hills DUI Lawyer immediately. Beverly Hills DUI Attorney Michael Kraut is a former Deputy District Attorney with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience who is highly respected throughout the court system as a passionate defender of his clients’ rights.

For more information about Beverly Hills DUI education classes, and to schedule your free consultation, contact Beverly Hills DUI Lawyer Michael Kraut at the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers located at 8484 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 660B, Beverly Hills, CA 90211-3220. Mr. Kraut can be reached 24/7 at 310-550-6935.